Do you know Saint Catherine of Siena? Mystic and saint, Catherine was among the first women to play an influential role in the history of the Catholic Church. She was born in 1347 to a family of 25 children. From a young age, she experienced miraculous visions and devoted her time to prayer and meditation, and to helping the poor and sick. Catherine's reputation for holiness grew rapidly. She became internationally famous, holding her own in arguments with kings and popes. After her death, her image circulated in art for centuries. In this painting, Catherine acts as an intermediary between the earthly observer—us as viewers—and the holy figures. She wears the habit of the Dominican Order and holds a small crucifix and a lily, a symbol of purity. #womeninart #womenshistorymonth #saintcatherine #arthistory #gettymuseum